The State of New York is considering bag legislation. Assembly member Felix Ortiz (D) introduced AB 8479. This would impose a 15 cent tax on plastic shopping bags. Currently AB 8479 is in the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means.
New York City has long been talking about the possibility of bag legislation. The cause has new life with New York City Councilman Brad Landers (D-Brooklyn) and Council woman Margaret Landers (D-Manhattan) now pushing to regulate carry out bags in New York City. Previous attempts by Landers failed to reach the 26 vote majority needed to pass the council. The new ordinance places a $0.05 cent tax on all carry out bags. The City would retain this money and not the retailers.
This is a compromise over Landers last proposal. It is too soon to say if the new proposal will garnish the 26 needed votes to pass. However, since the new proposal went from a fee to a tax, not only would it need council approval but also the State of New York.
Make sure to keep checking our website for updates on single use bag legislation that is pending or being implemented. Our retail packaging specialists stay on top of the ever changing market conditions. Let us help you navigate bag legislation in the municipalities you sell into and select the best packaging for your stores. We hope that you will contact us by phone at 888-429-5673 or via email at baglaws@swalter.com.
